Air Fryer Copycat KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich

There is nothing better than an Air Fryer Copycat KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Nothing you get beats KFC’s rich, delicious, and yummy breading. I love a great air-fried chicken sandwich!

A deliciously moist and authentic copycat recipe for the famous KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich. This Air Fryer fried chicken is golden brown, breaded perfectly, and delicious. It’s soaked in buttermilk for typical Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken. And, of course, I used all of the secret spices to keep it accurate to KFC.

KFC Copycat Air Fryer Fried Chicken Sandwich

Let me tell you, you can not get any better Fried Chicken in this world than KFC. It’s amazing! I know a few of you disagree and say that Chick-Fil-A Chicken is better, but for true crispness, I would vote for KFC all of the ways.

Most fast-food restaurants have started selling chicken sandwiches, all taken on one another. Today, I made a simple Air Fryer Copycat KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich.

The KFC Secret Spice Blend

Before we get into how to make this KFC Fried Chicken Sandwich, I wanted to go over the secret spice ingredients with you; there are 11. Everyone found out about them based on a newspaper article going back to a newspaper article published here.

The Spice Blend Includes:

• Salt
• White Pepper
• Black Pepper
• Dried Basil
• Celery Salt
• Dried Mustard
• Garlic Salt
• Ground Ginger
• Dried Oregano
• Paprika
• Thyme

In theory, there is an additional one: MSG, but since I’m making this recipe home for my family, I have omitted it. But you can buy it on Amazon or at the local grocery store.

Air Fryer Copycat KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich Ingredients

Dive into the bold flavors of the Air Fryer Copycat KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich, a homemade rendition of the beloved fast-food classic. This recipe brings the heat and crunch you crave, using simple ingredients to recreate that irresistible KFC taste. Perfect for spice lovers and fast-food fans alike, this sandwich promises a satisfyingly crispy exterior, tender chicken, and a spicy kick that will make you return for more.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Chicken Breasts: The foundation of the sandwich, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to ensure quick and even cooking, capturing the essence of KFC’s juicy and tender chicken.
• Brioche Buns: Soft, slightly sweet brioche buns complement the spicy chicken perfectly, providing a luxurious texture and richness that elevates the sandwich.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crispy coating, providing the perfect texture when air-fried to golden perfection.
• Potato Starch or Cornstarch: Added to the flour, cornstarch/potato starch helps achieve a lighter, crunchier crust that mimics the iconic KFC crispiness.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs help the flour and spice mixture adhere to the chicken, ensuring a thick and even coating for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat, ensuring it stays moist during cooking while adding a subtle tanginess that complements the spices.
• Pickles: Thinly sliced pickles add a tangy contrast to the spicy chicken, offering a refreshing crunch with each bite.
• Spices (Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper): This potent mix of spices recreates KFC’s famous blend, delivering the heat and complexity that defines the spicy chicken sandwich.
• Mayonnaise or Spicy Mayo: A smear of mayonnaise on the buns adds moisture and creaminess, while spicy mayo can kick up the heat even further for those who crave extra spice.

How to Make KFC Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer

Making KFC-Style Fried Chicken in the air fryer offers a healthier alternative to the deep-fried original while still achieving that crave-worthy crunch and flavor. Here’s how you can recreate this iconic dish in your kitchen:

Prepare your dredging station. In a small bowl, whisk to combine eggs and buttermilk. Add 1 ½  cup flour into a separate bowl or tray with raised edges. Then, combine 1 ½  cups flour, potato starch, and secret spices in a third large bowl or tray.

Dredge the chicken in plain flour first. Then, soak the chicken in the eggs and allow the excess to drip off. Next, place the chicken into the seasoned flour and coat it thoroughly. Place the chicken back into the eggs and the seasoned flour again. This gives a thick and crunchy crust.

Preheat the air fryer to 390* for 5 minutes. Once heated, line the basket with foil and place chicken breasts inside. Spray the chicken breasts with canola oil and cook for 13 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts, and cook for an additional 11 minutes. 

Prepare sandwiches. Add 1 tbsp of spicy mayo to the bottom brioche bun. Top with pickles and fried chicken breast. Serve with wedge fries and coleslaw, and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Exploring variations of the Air Fryer Copycat KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich allows you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences or to enjoy a delightful twist on the classic simply. Here are some creative ideas:

• Extra Crispy Coating: For an even crunchier exterior, double-dredge the chicken. After the initial coat in the seasoned flour, dip it back into the buttermilk, then into the flour mixture before air frying.
• Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich: Swap out the mayonnaise or spicy mayo for honey mustard sauce. The honey’s sweetness and the mustard’s tang add a delicious complexity to the spicy chicken.
• Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: After cooking, toss the chicken in buffalo sauce for a tangy kick. Top with ranch dressing and pickles to balance the heat and add a creamy texture to the sandwich.
• BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Brush your cooked spicy chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor. This Southern-inspired variation pairs beautifully with coleslaw on the sandwich.
• “Nashville Hot” Chicken Sandwich: To capture the essence of Nashville Hot Chicken, mix a tablespoon of cayenne pepper with brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika. Brush this mixture onto the chicken immediately after air frying for a spicy, slightly sweet glaze.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Sandwich: Mix grated Parmesan cheese with garlic powder and sprinkle this over the chicken as soon as it comes out of the air fryer. The residual heat will melt the cheese, creating a savory topping that complements the spicy breading.
• Asian-Inspired Chicken Sandwich: Create a glaze with soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Brush this over the chicken after cooking for an Asian twist. Top with a slaw of cabbage, carrots, and a splash of rice vinegar.
• Avocado Lime Chicken Sandwich: Mix avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Spread this on the bun instead of mayonnaise for a fresh, creamy addition that contrasts nicely with the spicy chicken.
• Cheesy Melt Chicken Sandwich: Before the chicken is completely done with air frying, top it with a slice of Pepper Jack or sharp cheddar cheese and return it to the air fryer for a minute or two until the cheese melts. This adds a gooey, cheesy layer to the spicy sandwich.
• Crispy Bacon Addition: Add a few slices of crispy bacon atop the chicken for a salty, crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the spice and crispiness of the chicken.

Each variation offers a unique flavor profile and texture, ensuring the Air Fryer Copycat KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich never gets boring. Mix and match these ideas to create your ultimate spicy chicken sandwich.

Pro Tips

Perfecting an Air Fryer Copycat KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich involves a few key techniques and tricks. Here are some pro tips to elevate your sandwich to rival the original:

• Marination is Key: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce not only infuses it with flavor but also tenderizes the meat, ensuring a juicy result. For the best flavor, marinate for at least an hour or, ideally, overnight in the refrigerator.
• Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating. This promotes uniform cooking and ensures every bite is perfectly tender.
• Crispy Coating: For a truly crispy exterior that mimics KFC’s signature crunch, ensure your flour mixture is well-seasoned and coat the chicken generously. The addition of cornstarch to the flour mixture helps create a lighter, crisper breading.
• Double Dredge: For an extra crispy coating, double-dredge the chicken by dipping it in the buttermilk mixture again after the first flour coating, followed by another dip in the flour mixture. This technique builds up layers of breading that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately, helping to seal in the juices and promote a crispy coating.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Adequate space around each piece allows for better air circulation, resulting in even cooking and browning.
• Use Cooking Spray: A light spray of cooking oil on the breaded chicken before air frying can enhance the golden color and crispiness of the breading without adding significant fat.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before assembling the sandwiches. This brief pause allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it’s moist and flavorful.
• Customize Your Toppings: While pickles, mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato are classic, feel free to add your own twist with ingredients like coleslaw, onion rings, or a spicy mayo to add more depth and personality to your sandwich.
• Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the buns in the air fryer or on a pan adds a subtle crunch and warmth, enhancing the overall texture and flavor profile of the sandwich.

By incorporating these pro tips into your cooking process, you’ll be able to craft an Air Fryer Copycat KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich that not only satisfies your fast-food cravings but does so with a homemade touch that’s hard to beat.

Faq’s

Can I make the KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich without an air fryer? Yes, you can recreate the KFC Spicy Chicken Sandwich without an air fryer by baking in an oven or pan-frying. For oven baking, preheat to 400°F and bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and cooked through. For pan-frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry each side until golden brown and fully cooked.

How can I make the sandwich spicier? To increase the spiciness, you can add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or include additional hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade. Another option is to add a spicy mayo or hot sauce to the sandwich when assembling.

What are some side dishes that pair well with the sandwich? Classic sides like coleslaw, french fries, potato wedges, or a simple salad pair well with the spicy chicken sandwich, balancing out the flavors and adding variety to your meal.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier outcome due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the breading soggy.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Is there a gluten-free version of this sandwich? To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend for the coating. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the buns, are gluten-free.

How can I ensure the coating sticks to the chicken? Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated in the buttermilk mixture before dredging in the flour mixture. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere, and let the coated chicken sit for a few minutes before air frying to help the coating set.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance? Yes, you can marinate the chicken and even apply the coating in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This can save time and allow the flavors to further penetrate the meat.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens, then use as directed.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• BBQ AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
• AIR FRYER TRADER JOE’S FRIED RICE
• AIR FRYER EASY CHICKEN TENDERS
• EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS
• AIR FRYER HONEY BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS

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